Roger Ailes, former Fox News chief, dies

Ailes' body is expected to arrive at the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner's Office later today, though a representative for the office said no more information about the case would be available until Friday.

"Today America lost one of its great patriotic warriors, Roger Ailes".

Mr Ailes, she said, was "the most wonderful loving husband (to me) and father to our son Zachary". "The GOP has long had a problem speaking to people beyond the boardroom and country club". And that was in large part due to Ailes and his ability to spot talent and provide production values that were friendly, fair and consumable to the American public.

"You don't get President Trump without Roger Ailes", CNN political analyst Julian Zelizer said. He advised at least four Republican presidents, President Donald Trump among them.

News of Ailes' death prompted widespread expressions of shock and grief from numerous political, entertainment and media figures.

Smith, 52, is the former host of Fox Report with Shepard Smith and Studio B weekdays on Fox News Channel. And it really anchored the entire FOX operation.

"Was he a capable propagandist? Yes". When Bush sat down for an interview with Dan Rather in 1988, it was Ailes who pushed the then-vice president to attack the CBS News anchor over questions regarding the Iran-Contra affair.

Longtime Obama adviser David Axelrod acknowledged Ailes' influence. "For decades, RA (Roger Ailes) has impacted American politics and media". Republicans now have a 45-seat majority, a swing of 127 seats.

"Roger Ailes died this morning, our deepest sympathies to Beth and his son Zach".

"The power of Fox News can not be overstated in Republican politics", said GOP strategist Alex Conant, who advised two presidential campaigns.

Fox News formally announced news of his passing in an on-air segment on Thursday morning.

He said he suspects the rest of the media, who despise Fox News, will not "leave Roger and his family alone in their time of grief" but that's ok because Ailes "just has a head start in preparing to kick your ass in the next life". "I personally think that's a good thing".